Moscow welcomes Beijing’s decision to reject anti-Iran sanctions
Tehran - BORNA - Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a briefing on Thursday afternoon: "We welcome the Chinese government's decision to prevent the implementation of illegitimate sanctions and consider it completely justified."
According to the TASS news agency, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned unilateral sanctions, stating: "Such sanctions are a blatant interference in the vital interests of sovereign states and are illegitimate."
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce recently issued a legal ruling prohibiting any recognition, implementation, or compliance with U.S. sanctions against five Chinese companies over their alleged involvement in oil transactions with Iran.
The Ukraine War
Continuing the briefing, the spokesperson for the Russian diplomatic apparatus referred to the war in Ukraine and the ceasefire previously announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating: "The Ukrainian Armed Forces never intend to follow the declared ceasefire that Zelensky (the President of Ukraine) has supposedly adhered to."
She added: "Once again, Zelensky's words differ from his actual actions. None of the Ukrainian militants intend to observe the declared ceasefire, and it has long been clear to everyone that Zelensky is not seeking peace."
Maria Zakharova further noted: "The initiative for a Russian 'Victory Day' ceasefire, which was also supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, triggered a frenzied reaction in Kyiv. Zelensky clumsily tried to downplay this initiative, hinting at potential drone attacks on the Red Square parade; any mention of commemorating Moscow's victory over fascism literally disgusted him."
The Russian diplomat remarked: "We regard Zelensky's overt threat to attack Moscow, the Victory Parade, the May 9 holiday, veterans, and guests as an intention to carry out a terrorist attack. This is something we have stated openly, and we have also specified what our response will be. We have honestly informed the entire international community by sending relevant notes through all possible diplomatic channels."
The Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced: "In accordance with the decision of Vladimir Putin, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, a ceasefire will be declared from May 8 to 9, 2026, in honor of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War."
The statement noted that Russia has taken heed of President Volodymyr Zelensky's threats to attack Moscow on May 9 but expects Ukraine to follow suit and declare a ceasefire on May 8 and 9.
On Wednesday evening, Zelensky released a threatening video claiming: "Russia has put itself in a position where even their main parade now depends on us."
Russia-Japan Relations
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson further stated that Moscow has received no requests from Tokyo to arrange high-level meetings at international events, but the Russian Foreign Ministry is ready to consider such proposals.
Zakharova stated: "Officially, there have been no requests from Tokyo for high-level Russia-Japan meetings at international gatherings. Of course, if such a request is made, it will be carefully evaluated. We reiterate that the path to restoring a comprehensive dialogue between the parties depends on Japan's willingness to distance itself from its current hostile stance toward Russia, both in words and in practice. Such a shift would pave the way for meaningful engagement."
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